[Standard Disclaimer applies] I, a poor, penniless, study-stressed, 1st year uni student, do not own any of the characters in the story – with the exception of Shizumi the housekeeper. Nor did I come up with all the study techniques introduced – most are credits to Kay Yasugi, who created the 'Weird and Unusual Study Techniques' section in my yearbook (though she probably wouldn't even know I have mentioned her ^^;;). I only own the plot – which I'm putting dear Kamui-chan through because I am suffering, and I feel like dragging a 2D person down with me :-P

Oh, and a message for those of you who happen to be following 'Priceless Treasures'… That story will be on a looooong haitus while I practice on refining my writing style and technique, as well as carefully brainstorming and planning how to deliver the more exciting adventures in the later chapters ^^ Some of you might think that I should just give it up, but I truly like that story myself, and plan on turning it into one of my own greatest works. Therefore, I will be leaving it for a while, until I feel confident that I can properly deliver the next chapters. Hopefully, it will be worth the wait ^o^

Meanwhile, dear readers, this is one of the pieces that I am using to try and refine my writing. I hope you'll enjoy this fic!

Remember that C&C are appreciated at all times! Please email me at: apus000@yahoo.com.au and help me become a better writer (I am very open to constructive criticisms and very willing to learn and correct my mistakes)!

Study Time!

By Apus000

It was during times like these that Shirou Kamui often wondered: If he _must_ be given some special powers, then why couldn't it be higher brain power along with a good memory and IQ, instead of 'the power of God'?!

If it won't for the fact that he is, at the moment, sitting right in front of the formidable Tanaka-sensei, the Chemistry quiz in his hands would have already been torn up, blasted/burned, with its ashes scattered into the sea. As it was, he could only spare a glare at the big, red '49%'* on his paper, clench his jaw, and shove it into his school bag.

As soon as that school bell rings, Nokoru is a dead man.

That was the only thought which occupied in his head during the whole 1 hour lesson…

(* A.N. – In my opinion, 49% is the worst mark you can ever get; after all, it's only 1 mark away from a pass!!! *grrrrr*)

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Being a member of the famously rich Imonoyama family means dealing with many (almost) life-threatening experiences throughout life. If, to top it off, you also happen to be the Imonoyama member that is chairman of the prestigious CLAMP Campus, then it is almost guaranteed that you are going to face both life-threatening experiences _and_ school problems – which also happens to include lots of paperwork and troubled students.

This is the chant that Imonoyama Nokoru runs through his head everyday. It generally helps him get by life: to remain calm and controlled, ready to take on any surprises that Fate decides to throw in his way. It had helped him outsmart kidnappers, evade attempts on his life, assist ladies in trouble, endure Suoh's words of wisdom (or lectures, depending on how you look at it ^^;;), obediently slave through his paperwork, deal with problem-students, save his school from several disasters… the list is endless. What with all these 'adventures', he had thought that nothing could surprise him anymore.

But on that day, he stands corrected, as the chime of the 3 o'clock school bell brought a savage-looking Kamui through the doors of his study. Naturally, that caught campus secretary Takamura Suoh's attention, and the ninja immediately glided forward to protect his Chosen One. On the other hand, campus treasurer Ijyuin Akira nearly dropped his teapot, surprised by the sudden interruption on their peaceful tea-time.

Meanwhile, Nokoru and housekeeper Nijikawa Shizumi could only freeze in the middle of their conversation, bewildered eyes indicating their surprise.

On any other day, Kamui's mischievous side might have congratulated himself for being able to shock the four adults. After all, these ex-students had been CLAMP Campus' past pride and were well-known for their ability to handle all situations. It would have taken a lot to shock them. Apparently (of all things!), a student barging through Nokoru's Imonoyama mansion study during school hours, without appointment, and - mind you - on the chairman's day off, constitute as a great surprise for them.

But on that day, Kamui's mischievous side had died, and thereby missed those precious shocked looks as he screamed: "NOKORU-SAN!"

Well, the scream seemed to have done the trick. Nokoru and Shizumi instantly snapped back to their usual refined mannerism, Suoh relaxed a few notches, and Akira happily continued to pour his tea.

"Is there something I can help you with, Kamui-san?" Nokoru asked, as he straightened himself in his chair, giving the violet-eyed student a kind smile.

That led Kamui into giving a good 50 minutes of complaining – which, in a nutshell, can be summarised to the basic idea that his life is stressful enough as it is, without having to worry about 'important' tests and exams.

A small, female chuckle sounded from Shizumi, who had been standing next to Nokoru's desk, sipping her tea as she listened to Kamui's account.

"Nijikawa-senpai?" questioned Akira. Nokoru never ceases to be amused by Akira's politeness. Even though he had already graduated, he still calls Shizumi and Suoh 'senpai' and Nokoru 'kaichou'. Old habits die hard; some things just never change…

"Sorry," Shizumi gasped, laughing out-right now, "it's just that Kamui-kun's little display reminded me so much of another person…" A side-glance at Nokoru clearly indicated who she was reminded of. Suoh and Akira caught on, and they both grinned a bit as well. Nokoru's indignant "Hey!" only brought out more laughter. Luckily, the chairman's companions were mindful of a student's presence, and the merriment subsided quickly.

Getting back to the problem at hand, Nokoru addressed his student. "Kamui-san, could you please tell me what methods you have been using to study?"

The question was kind of vague (A.N.: not to mention a little incorrectly phrased; gomen…), but Kamui attempted to give it a go anyway – though not without some teenage bitter-sarcasm:

"Since my 'responsibilities' and poor health tend to spare me little time, I have only three ways to go about studying: a) cramming the night before, b) locking myself in my room with textbooks and a 'Please do not disturb' sign on the door, or c) not studying at all."

For some reason, significant looks and grins were now directed towards Shizumi. And what a rare sight it was: the usually composed housekeeper, Nijikawa Shizumi, now tomato-red in the face!

"Ahh, yes," Nokoru commented nonchalantly, still grinning his Cheshire-cat smile at Shizumi, "the common study techniques: 'spongification', 'solitary confinement', and 'deadmeatification'."

"Sorry?!" Kamui checked to see if he had heard correctly.

The chairman gave his student a big smile. "It's just an inner joke between the four of us. These are the terms we give to each of those study techniques. 'Spongification', as in cramming all information and notes into your head the way a sponge absorbs water," he explained, "and 'Solitary confinement' is where you have only textbooks as your friends. As for 'deadmeatification'… Well, if you don't study at all, you have little chance of passing – which pretty much equals to dead-meat." He gave a chuckle. "But I regret to say, these study techniques do little to help. I'm sure Shizumi-san here would readily agree with me, no?"

"That the techniques 'do little to help'? Yes," Shizumi bit out. She was obviously both embarrassed and angry at the ease with which her colleagues spilled out her hazardous 'study methods' in high school. In fact, it was a cheeky Nokoru who came up with the three silly terms for her study techniques. "That not studying at all equals to 'deadmeatification'? No."

Curious, Kamui ventured a question: "Then what does Shizumi-san call it?"

"Four-Leaf-Cloverisation," Shizumi declared, "because there is always the little chance that you will pass the test." She gave a dignified sniff. "Not studying does not necessarily mean that you won't pass!"

"The marks from your Senior High report seem to disagree…" Nokoru interjected from behind his teacup.

Not a good move on Nokrou's part. Shizumi heard what he had said and immediately declared war. Thus, a hearty round of bickering began.

"The only subjects I have ever failed in were the unimportant ones - "

"Oh, and pray tell, which subjects from CLAMP Campus could be called unimportant?"

"-like the Science ones and PDH/PE - "

"Those are the subjects we are famous for!"

And at this point, Kamui tuned out. It is almost a ritual for the housekeeper and chairman to have a round of verbal-sparring (or flirting, as Sorata likes to call it) every single tea-time. It might have been entertaining, at first, to see the refined adults arguing like little kids. However, when something happens all the time, it loses its original appeal. So instead of watching the cat-fight, he found himself thinking over the previous conversation between the adults.

The young student found it hard to believe that the seemingly all-knowing housekeeper could have been so… careless… about her studies. He doesn't know much about the history behind the four adults, of course, but he vaguely recalled that Shizumi had always been famous for her acting ability, as well as knowledge of and fluency in 14 different languages. But then again, part of her job description as the Imonoyama housekeeper was that she must be able to entertain and see to the needs of the family guests – most of which are from foreign countries – so her abilities are more of a necessity than anything else.

Kamui slumped. Life is so unfair. Shizumi does not even need to study hard in order to master her specialties... Come to think of it, Nokoru does not even need to work hard either – his intelligence and wealth is more than enough to help him through his responsibilities. At this thought, Kamui slumped even further. It's just so unfair! He might be the saviour with all the power of God, yet he can't even pass a stupid school test!

But before his thoughts could become anymore pessimistic, he felt a gentle touch to his shoulder. Turning around, he saw that it was Suoh. The elder man gave him a wink.

"You might want to slip out of the room while those two are still going at it," the bodyguard said kindly, nodding towards the direction of Shizumi and Nokoru who were still bantering. "I regret to say this, Kamui-san, but if you are looking for someone to help you with your studies, you have come to the wrong people. Rijichou is renowned for his motto 'more play less work', and, quite frankly, I think Shizumi-san sticks with it as well. As for Akira and I, we have never being good teachers, so we would not be much help." He gave a pained smile. "You might have more luck asking your friends for some assistance instead. I am sure that they would be more than happy to help you." Having said that, the secretary moved to open the doors for Kamui.

For a moment, Kamui stared at Suoh's back, thoughtful. With that kind tone and subtle smile, it is very easy to forget that the secretary is actually the finely trained heir to the Takamura ninja clan. But then… He quickly shook himself free of thoughts as Suoh beckoned him. With a grateful smile, Kamui gave a bow, and quickly slipped through the exit.

Hmm…ask my friends for help? Kamui contemplated the wisdom of that. Can they really offer some good advice? After some more thinking, the young boy decided that it would not hurt to try and ask around.

After all, what was the worse that could happen?

/To be continued…/

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Free-talk:

Well? How is it for the first chapter? Is it interesting enough for you to want to continue to read the next chapter?

English isn't my first language, so I sometimes find it hard to express what I want to say. In fact, this is one of the reasons why 'Priceless Treasures' is on haitus – I can't properly express what I want to say, and therefore mess-up some of the important instances, emotions, and issues in the story. Since the upcoming chapters would be even more complicated, I will need some more practices before I become sufficiently confident that I can continue to write that story.

But enough of my ranting, eh? Yes, I tend to waffle on and on about my problems… But anyhow, getting back to 'X-Study Time'. Here's a sneak preview to the next chapter:

"Heeeeellllllppppp~~~!!!!" shouted the first figure.

"Stop right there, you brat!!" screamed the second figure.

"Oh, Arashi-san, I'm so glad that you've come back!"

Arashi, who had been watching the two escaping figures, abruptly turned to the voice behind her. It was the young inugami mistress with her spirit guardian at her heels.

"Thank goodness you're back, Arashi-san!" Yuzuriha repeated. "You're probably the only one who can stop them!"

"What-" Arashi began, when another voice interrupted her.

"Remember the study technique that Sorata had suggested yesterday?" Kamui asked. At Arashi's nod, he continued, "Well, he decided to try it out by spraying all of my notes with the perfume from Karen-san's precious collection…"

This can't be good, the priestess of Isle thought.